Changes to Farm Quality Assurance: What it means for your farm
Improving farm safety and animal health, and reducing antibiotic use form part of new Farm Quality Assurance rules set to come into place on June 1.
It comes after an intense review process studying the new Northern Ireland Beef and Lamb Farm Quality Assurance Scheme (FQAS) standard and rules.
The changes
The new FQAS standard was developed by the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) under the guidance of a standard setting committee made up of stakeholders.
Many of the 2018 changes bring FQAS in line with changes made to the Red Tractor scheme. The changes include:
'A comprehensive process'
The FQAS standard is reviewed every three years by a standard setting committee made up of various stakeholders including:
Speaking about the recent changes, Gillian Davis, LMC FQAS manager, said: "The review itself was a very comprehensive process as it scrutinised every aspect of the FQAS standard and rules.
This should be seen as a positive action by local producers, as the review is undertaken to ensure that their businesses are operating to the highest possible standards.
“It’s also worth noting that the changes to the new FQAS standard are made in line with legislative requirements and are to ensure equivalence with other devolved assurance schemes like Red Tractor Assurance in Great Britain.”
“As always if anyone is in need of assistance, there is a support system in place. LMC’s farm liaison officer, Terry White, can be contacted for assistance via the FQAS helpline or at one of the regular mart clinics we operate.”
